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backen fern

the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591
in Problem solving

hi guys!

have a huge problem with bracken fern in an old greenhouse... covered in it. Got it chopped down to the ground, sprayed with roundup with gyphsophylate 3 times now in 3 weeks.and it keeps coming back..

it is like bamboo!! its shooting up next door and getting thru slabs. it has been neglected for many years.

does anyone know how to get rid of it?

I'm not sure if I could even dig it out, I'm sure the roots go down to china and I cant find anything stronger on the market

thanks

Claire

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    Hi Claire, I'd try Resolva. Easily the best weedkiller.

    Alternatively, keeping hacking it back to the ankles as soon as new growth appears to gradually weaken it.

    Having said that, bracken is an almighty opponent - it's been around since the dinosaurs. It reigns supreme in the hills here and is usually around four to five feet high at this time of year. Delightful when it's wet!  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591

    thanks  fairygirl! I will get some.

    Its amazing how it grows back so quick !

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117

    It's one of nature's survivors tidygardener.

    Along with dandelions, cockroaches and Cher....as the old joke goes  image

    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    There is a herbicide which can control it called Asulox but is strictly controlled and won't be available for use after this year.  I would seriously consider getting a professional in who will have that available.  Bracken (even the spores) is carcinogenic so never let any of the ferns grow full size, even if you have to fight it forever.

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591

    Yes im not a professional gardener so i wouldnt be able to get that.

    Its a friends greenhouse thats in the garden of a new house.it couldve been growing in there for years.it was through the roof!the neighbour is pleased we are having a go!

    Thanks for the advice bob !

  • the tidy gardenerthe tidy gardener Posts: 591

    I did wear a mask when i cut it down.it was brown and an awful mess.if it was mine id get rid of the greenhouse.its mouldy old and lots of panes of glass missing!

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